#MTB DESIGN EVOLUTIONS

Specialized Stumpjumper 1981

There are several things wrong with the way that mountain bikes have evolved. In the begining you can forgive the "pioneer" framebuiders for getting components came from road bike and beach cruisers. As things broke they had to be re-engineered and evolve. Better brakes, tyres, bottom brackets and headset bearings. However there is still a huge white elephant out there.... the drive system was invented in 1928...This is partly because of the way that the bicycle brands compete with each others marketing departments rather than collaborate on an engineering a solution.

Case 1: Derailleurs have “evolved” from road bikes. But on mountain #bikes in winter???? Not the best system to be running through mud, grit and water. Derailleurs: Yes invented in 1928 & work very well on road bikes if ridden in dry conditions, or if you have support cars and sponsors... This does not sound like #mtbing in the UK to me??? Solutions are out there... Gearboxes have been kicking around and are at the tipping point where their benefits cannot be ignored.

Case 2: Steel #bicycle chains are upto 98% efficent if run fixed gear on the track... Again not the best system to be running through mud, grit and water.Belt-drive is a great system if you have a split frame that has a tensioning system. Gates Carbondrive have had over 10 years of production. By designing a frame for both Belt-drive and derailleurs, then we might have the best of both worlds..